Hi Andria, could you introduce yourself, what do you do, what are your interests and hobbies?

I’m a CrossFit trainer, owner of CrossFit LockDown in Paralimni, Cyprus. I am also the fitness coach of a local soccer female team. My hobby I guess is CrossFit, as well as tennis.

What got you interested in CrossFit?

I just wanted something more fun and exciting to do to stay in shape, and I accidentally came across CrossFit. I fell in love with the idea of constantly varied fitness , and all the fun stuff such as rope climbs!

What made you want to do CrossFit competitively?

My former mentor and employer made me join my first CrossFit competition! She advised me that it is a good way to get your name known in the community! I loved it and ever since I try to compete in CrossFit competitions happening in my country!

Can you tell me about some of the obstacles that you’ve had to go through in your CrossFit career?

I’d rather think of myself as a coach more than as an athlete - so I would say in terms of obstacles in coaching, being a female coach in sports is tough. You need to really prove yourself everytime that you are worth it and know your stuff.

What do you think are the two most important things for anyone looking to improve their CrossFit workout output?

Number 1 I would say is to have a good coach. A coach that is knowledgeable, qualified and experienced. Number 2 I would say is be patient. Patient in terms of how fast you are getting where you want to be. Yes of course work hard, but make sure you are not overdoing it. Make sure you enjoy the process while getting where you want to get. Don’t stress it out, it will happen!

What are your goals for the next 5 years?

My goals are to finish my second degree (sports and exercise science) and get more people interested in CrossFit! I hope that in 5 years my CrossFit LockDown community will grow.

What is your philosophy on nutrition?

Hmm tough question. I personally don’t like to restrict myself from what I like to eat. I don’t measure what I eat, I just eat as much as I feel like it. But I also work out really hard! I guess my philosophy would be: eat as healthy as possible but don’t deny yourself that one guilty pleasure!

I understand that you follow a vegan diet, what made you originally choose that and what are your thoughts on it now?

It was a complete accident to be honest. A beauty Youtuber I was following turned vegan and made a video explaining the health benefits of veganism. I really liked what she said so I started looking into it and I thought I will give it a go! After that I started looking into the ethical side of it. So it originally started as a healthier alternative of nutrition but now it is also about the ethical side of it!

What other things outside exercise and nutrition do you find important for wellbeing and happiness in your life?

I think apart from those two is making sure you have people that support you and your decisions. It’s always good to have someone having your back. Also doing what you love as a job plays a big role in your happiness as well.

How did you hear about Ambronite?

From my tattoo artist (he’s my cousin as well!)

When and how do you usually use Ambronite?

I either use it in the morning for breakfast or as a snack after lunch, before I train. It is usually in the form of a smoothie!

What’s your ikigai (reason for being)?

Wow! Hmmm. I want to make a change in the lifestyle of people. In terms of how they see fitness and how fitness can help them in their everyday lives. I want to make sure everybody knows how important is exercise together with good nutrition for their body and how it can help them avoid many many modern diseases! I wish that one day everybody sees it and we get to be the generation of 70 year olds that still can run and exercise because we chose a healthy lifestyle (exercise and good nutrition). I know that’s what I want for me!